Method and system for a photonic interposer

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for a photonic interposer are disclosed and may include receiving one or more continuous wave (CW) optical signals in a silicon photonic interposer from an optical source external to the silicon photonic interposer. The received CW optical signals may be processed based on electrical signals received from a CMOS electronics die bonded to the interposer, and modulated optical signals may be received in the interposer via optical couplers on the interposer. Electrical signals may be generated in the interposer based on the received modulated optical signals, and may be communicated to the CMOS electronics die. The generated electrical signals to may be communicated to the CMOS electronics die via copper pillars. The CW optical signals may be received in the interposer from an optical source assembly coupled to the interposer. The CW optical signals may be received from optical fibers coupled to the interposer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/422,776filed on Mar. 16, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/554,449 filed on Sep. 4, 2009, which makesreference to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/191,479 filed on Sep. 8, 2008, and Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/199,353 filed on Nov. 14, 2008. Said application Ser. No.13/422,776 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application61/516,226, filed on Mar. 30, 2011. Each of the above statedapplications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to semiconductor processing.More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to amethod and system for a photonic interposer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As data networks scale to meet ever-increasing bandwidth requirements,the shortcomings of copper data channels are becoming apparent. Signalattenuation and crosstalk due to radiated electromagnetic energy are themain impediments encountered by designers of such systems. They can bemitigated to some extent with equalization, coding, and shielding, butthese techniques require considerable power, complexity, and cable bulkpenalties while offering only modest improvements in reach and verylimited scalability. Free of such channel limitations, opticalcommunication has been recognized as the successor to copper links.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method for a photonic interposer, substantially as shownin and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, asset forth more completely in the claims.

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention,as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be morefully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a CMOS transceiver utilizing a photonicinterposer, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustrating an exemplary optical transceiverincluding a photonic interposer, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a hybrid integration photonictransceiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a photonic interposer with two coupledelectronics die, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating the hybrid integration of anelectronics die to a photonics interposer, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a cross-section of exemplary metalpillar-coupled electrical and optoelectronic devices, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer withmultiple switch cores, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating exemplary photonic and electronicinterposers with a switch core and optoelectronic die, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer witha switch core and optoelectronic die, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer with asingle switch core, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a photonic interposer with multi-coreinterconnects and waveguides, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a photonic interposer with multi-coreinterconnects and waveguides, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system fora photonic interposer. Exemplary aspects of the invention may comprisereceiving one or more continuous wave (CW) optical signals in a siliconphotonic interposer from an optical source external to the siliconphotonic interposer. The received CW optical signals may be processedbased on electrical signals received from the one or more CMOSelectronics die. The modulated optical signals may be received in thesilicon photonic interposer from one or more optical fibers coupled tothe silicon photonic interposer. Electrical signals may be generated inthe silicon photonic interposer based on the received modulated opticalsignals. The generated electrical signals may be communicated to the oneor more CMOS electronics die, via copper pillars for example. The one ormore CW optical signals may be received in the silicon photonicinterposer from an optical source assembly coupled to the siliconphotonic interposer. The one or more CW optical signals may be receivedfrom one or more optical fibers coupled to the silicon photonicinterposer. The one or more received CW optical signals may be processedutilizing one or more optical modulators in the silicon photonicinterposer. The one or more optical modulators may comprise Mach-Zehnderinterferometer modulators. The electrical signals may be generated inthe silicon photonic interposer utilizing one or more photodetectorsintegrated in the silicon photonic interposer. Optical signals may becommunicated into and/or out of the silicon photonic interposerutilizing grating couplers. The one or more electronics die may compriseone or more of: a processor core, a switch core, or router. Theintegrated optical communication system comprises a plurality oftransceivers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a CMOS transceiver utilizing a photonicinterposer, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referringto FIG. 1, there is shown optoelectronic devices in a transceiver 100comprising high speed optical modulators 105A-105D, high-speedphotodiodes 111A-111D, monitor photodiodes 113A-113H, and opticaldevices comprising taps 103A-103K, optical terminations 115A-115D, andgrating couplers 117A-117H. There are also shown electrical devices andcircuits comprising transimpedance and limiting amplifiers (TIA/LAs)107A-107D, analog and digital control circuits 109, and control sections112A-112D. Optical signals are communicated between optical andoptoelectronic devices via optical waveguides fabricated in a CMOSinterposer chip, with the optical waveguides being indicated in FIG. 1by the dashed ovals. Optical and optoelectronic devices are integratedin a silicon photonic interposer while electronic devices are integratedinto one or more CMOS electronics chips that are coupled to the siliconphotonic interposer.

The high speed optical modulators 105A-105D comprise Mach-Zehnder orring modulators, for example, and enable the modulation of the CW laserinput signal. The high speed optical modulators 105A-105D are controlledby the control sections 112A-112D, and the outputs of the modulators areoptically coupled via waveguides to the grating couplers 117E-117H. Thetaps 103D-103K comprise four-port optical couplers, for example, and areutilized to sample the optical signals generated by the high speedoptical modulators 105A-105D, with the sampled signals being measured bythe monitor photodiodes 113A-113H. The unused branches of the taps103D-103K are terminated by optical terminations 115A-115D to avoid backreflections of unwanted signals.

The grating couplers 117A-117H comprise optical gratings that enablecoupling of light into and out of the silicon photonic interposer. Thegrating couplers 117A-117D may be utilized to couple light received fromoptical fibers into the silicon photonic interposer, and may comprisepolarization independent grating couplers. The grating couplers117E-117H may be utilized to couple light from the silicon photonicinterposer into optical fibers. The optical fibers may be epoxied, forexample, to the CMOS chip, and may be aligned at an angle from normal tothe surface of the silicon photonic interposer to optimize couplingefficiency.

The high-speed photodiodes 111A-111D convert optical signals receivedfrom the grating couplers 117A-117D into electrical signals that arecommunicated to the TIA/LAs 107A-107D for processing. The analog anddigital control circuits 109 may control gain levels or other parametersin the operation of the TIA/LAs 107A-107D. The TIA/LAs 107A-107D, theanalog and digital control circuits 109, and the control sections112A-112D may be integrated on one or more electronics CMOS chips thatmay be bonded to the silicon photonic interposer via copper pillars. Inthis manner, electronic and photonic performance may be optimizedindependently on different CMOS nodes. The TIA/LAs 107A-107D may thencommunicate electrical signals to other circuitry on the electronicschip.

The TIA/LAs 107A-107D may comprise narrowband, non-linear optoelectronicreceiver circuitry. Accordingly, the narrowband receiver front-end maybe followed by a restorer circuit, such as, for example, a non-return tozero (NRZ) level restorer circuit. A restorer circuit limits thebandwidth of the optical receiver in order to decrease the integratednoise, thereby increasing the signal to noise ratio. An NRZ levelrestorer may be used to convert the resulting data pulses back into NRZdata.

The control sections 112A-112D comprise electronic circuitry that enablemodulation of the CW laser signal received from the taps 103A-103C. Thehigh speed optical modulators 105A-105D require high-speed electricalsignals to modulate the refractive index in respective branches of aMach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), for example.

In an embodiment of the invention, the integration of all optical andoptoelectronic devices required for a transceiver into a single siliconphotonic interposer, and of all required electronic devices on one ormore CMOS electronics chips, enables optimized performance of theresulting single hybrid package. In this manner, electronic deviceperformance may be optimized independently of the optimization ofphotonic devices in the silicon photonic interposer. For example, theelectronic CMOS chip may be optimized on a 32 nm CMOS process, while thesilicon photonic interposer may be optimized on a 130 nm CMOS node. Theelectronics devices may be placed on the electronics chip such that theyare located directly above their associated photonics devices whenbonded to the silicon photonic interposer. For example, the controlsections 112A-112D may be located on an electronics CMOS chip such thatthey lie directly above the high-speed optical modulators 105A-105B andcan be coupled by low parasitic copper pillars.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hybrid transceiver 100 comprises fouroptoelectronic transceivers with one optical source, and enablescommunication of optical signals vertically to and from the surface ofthe silicon photonic interposer, thereby enabling the use of CMOSprocesses and structures, including a CMOS guard ring. The siliconphotonic interposer may comprise both active devices, such asphotodetectors and modulators, and passive devices, such as waveguides,splitters, combiners, and grating couplers, thereby enabling photoniccircuits to be integrated on CMOS chips.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustrating an exemplary optical transceiverincluding a photonic interposer, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown a photonic transceiver200 comprising a printed circuit board (PCB)/substrate 201, a siliconphotonic interposer 203, an electronic CMOS die 205, through siliconvias (TSVs) 206, copper pillars 207, an optical source module 209, anoptical input/output (I/O) 211, wire bonds 213, optical epoxy 215, andoptical fibers 217.

The PCB/substrate 201 may comprise a support structure for the photonictransceiver 200, and may comprise both insulating and conductivematerial for isolating devices as well as providing electrical contactfor active devices on the silicon photonic interposer 203 as well as todevices on the electronics die 205 via the silicon photonic interposer203. In addition, the PCB/substrate may provide a thermally conductivepath to carry away heat generated by devices and circuits in theelectronics die 205 and the optical source module 209.

The silicon photonic interposer 203 may comprise a CMOS chip with activeand passive optical devices such as waveguides, modulators,photodetectors, grating couplers, taps, and combiners, for example. Thefunctionalities supported by the silicon photonic interposer 203 maycomprise photo-detection, optical modulation, optical routing, andoptical interfaces for high-speed I/O and optical power delivery.

The silicon photonic interposer 203 may also comprise copper pillars 207for coupling the electronics die 205 to the silicon photonic interposer203, as well as grating couplers for coupling light into the die fromthe optical source module 209 and into/out of the die via the opticalI/O 211. In addition, the silicon photonic interposer 203 may compriseTSVs 206 for electrical interconnection through the die, such as betweenthe PCB/substrate 201 and the electronics die 205. Optical interfacesmay also be facilitated by the optical epoxy 215, providing both opticaltransparency and mechanical fixation.

The electronics die 205 may comprise one or more electronic CMOS chipsthat provide the required electronic functions of the photonictransceiver 200. The electronics die 205 may comprise a single chip or aplurality of die coupled to the silicon photonic interposer 203 via thecopper pillars 207. The electronics die 205 may comprise TIA's, LNAs,and control circuits for processing optical signals in the photonicschip 203. For example, the electronics die 205 may comprise drivercircuitry for controlling optical modulators in the silicon photonicinterposer 203 and variable gain amplifiers for amplifying electricalsignals received from photodetectors in the silicon photonic interposer203. By incorporating photonics devices in the silicon photonicinterposer 203 and electronic devices in the electronics die 205, theCMOS processes for each chip may be optimized for the type of devicesincorporated.

The TSVs 206 may comprise electrically conductive paths that extendvertically through the silicon photonic interposer 203 and provideelectrical connectivity between the electronics die 205 and thePCB/substrate 201. This may be utilized in place of wire bonds, such asthe wire bonds 213, or in conjunction with wire bonds.

The copper pillars 207 may comprise linear or 2D arrays of metal pillarsto provide electrical contact between the silicon photonic interposer203 and the electronics die 205. For example, the copper pillars 207 mayprovide electrical contact between photodetectors in the siliconphotonic interposer 203 and associated receiver circuitry in theelectronics die 205. In addition, the copper pillars 207 may providemechanical coupling of the electronics and photonics die, and may beencapsulated with underfill to protect the metal and other surfaces.

The optical source module 209 may comprise an assembly with an opticalsource, such as a semiconductor laser, and associated optical andelectrical elements to direct one or more optical signals into thesilicon photonic interposer 203. An example of the optical source moduleis described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/500,465 filed onJul. 9, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. In another exemplary scenario, the optical signal or signalsfrom the optical source assembly 209 may be coupled into the siliconphotonic interposer 203 via optical fibers affixed above gratingcouplers in the silicon photonic interposer 203.

The optical I/O 211 may comprise an assembly for coupling the opticalfibers 217 to the silicon photonic interposer 203. Accordingly, theoptical I/O 211 may comprise mechanical support for one or more opticalfibers and an optical surface to be coupled to the silicon photonicinterposer 203, such as by the optical epoxy 215. In another exemplaryscenario, the optical I/O 211 may also be affixed along an edge of thesilicon photonic interposer 203, as shown by the dashed line optical I/O211, enabling the coupling of optical signals directly into opticalwaveguides as opposed to grating couplers on the surface of the siliconphotonic interposer 203.

In operation, continuous-wave (CW) optical signals may be communicatedinto the silicon photonic interposer 203 from the optical source module209 via one or more grating couplers in the silicon photonic interposer203. Photonic devices in the silicon photonic interposer 203 may thenprocess the received optical signal. For example, one or more opticalmodulators may modulate the CW signal based on electrical signalsreceived from the electronics die 205. Electrical signals may bereceived from the electronics die 205 via the Cu pillars 207. Byintegrating modulators in the silicon photonic interposer 203 directlybeneath the source of the electrical signals in the electronics die 205,signal path lengths may be minimized, resulting in very high speedperformance. For example, utilizing ˜20 micron Cu pillars with <20 fFcapacitance, speeds of 50 GHz and higher can be achieved.

The modulated optical signals may then be communicated out of thesilicon photonic interposer 203 via grating couplers situated beneaththe optical I/O 211. In this manner, high-speed electrical signalsgenerated in the electronics die 205 may be utilized to modulate a CWoptical signal and subsequently communicated out of the silicon photonicinterposer 203 via the optical fibers 217.

Similarly, modulated optical signals may be received in the siliconphotonic interposer 203 via the optical fibers 217 and the optical I/O211. The received optical signals may be communicated within the siliconphotonic interposer 203 via optical waveguides to one or morephotodetectors integrated in the silicon photonic interposer 203. Thephotodetectors may be integrated in the silicon photonic interposer 203such that they lie directly beneath the associated receiver electronicscircuitry in the electronics die 205 when bonded and electricallycoupled by the low parasitic capacitance Cu pillars 207.

The hybrid integration of CMOS electronics die on silicon photonicinterposer via Cu pillars enables very high speed optical transceiversutilizing CMOS processes. In addition, integrating separate photonic andelectronic die enables the independent optimization of the performanceof electronic and photonic functions within the respective CMOSprocesses. The electronic die, which is mounted by face-to-face bondingto the silicon photonic interposer, may contain electrical circuits that“drive” the photonic circuits on the interposer. Those circuits replacethe electronic signaling drive circuits from conventional electricalinterconnect solutions.

In addition, optical interconnect between multiple electronic die, i.e.chip-to-chip interconnect, is enabled by the silicon photonic interposer203, where transceiver functions are supported by the combinedelectronic die and interposer and the associated optical routing on thesilicon photonic interposer die 203. The invention is not limited to thearrangement shown in FIG. 2A. Accordingly, various stacking arrangementsare possible. For example, photonic interposers may be sandwichedbetween electronic chips and stacks of interposers/electronic chips maybe configured resulting in a 3-dimensional structure.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a hybrid integration photonictransceiver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown the PCB/substrate 201, the siliconphotonic interposer 203, electronics die 205, the Cu pillars 207, theoptical source assembly 209, the optical I/O 211, wire bonds 213,optical fibers 217, and contact pads 219.

The electronics die 205 are shown prior to bonding to the surface of thesilicon photonic interposer 203 via the Cu pillars 207, as illustratedby the dashed arrows below each die. While two electronics die 205 areshown in FIG. 2B, it should be noted that the invention is not solimited. Accordingly, any number of electronics die may be coupled tothe silicon photonic interposer 203 depending on the number oftransceivers, the particular CMOS node utilized, thermal conductance,and space limitations, for example.

In another exemplary embodiment, the optical source assembly 209 may belocated remotely and one or more optical fibers may be utilized tocouple the optical source signal into the silicon photonic interposer203 via grating couplers, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment, electronic functions may be integrated intothe electronics die 205 and photonics circuitry may be integrated intothe silicon photonic interposer 203 utilizing independent CMOSprocesses. The electronics die 205 may comprise electronic devicesassociated with photonic devices in the silicon photonic interposer 203,thereby minimizing electrical path lengths while still allowingindependent performance optimization of electronic and photonic devices.For example, the CMOS processes that result in the highest electronicsperformance, such as the fastest switching speed, may not be optimum forCMOS photonics performance. Similarly, different technologies may beincorporated in the different die. For example, SiGe CMOS processes maybe used for photonic devices such as photodetectors, and 32 nm CMOSprocesses may be used for electronic devices on the electronics die 205.

The silicon photonic interposer 203 may comprise photonic circuits,whereby optical signals may be received, processed, and transmitted outof the silicon photonic interposer 203. The optical source assembly 209may provide a CW optical signal to the silicon photonic interposer 203,with the photonics circuitry in the silicon photonic interposer 203processing the CW signal. For example, the CW signal may be coupled intothe silicon photonic interposer 203 via grating couplers, communicatedto various locations on the die via optical waveguides, modulated byMach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) modulators, and communicated out ofthe silicon photonic interposer 203 into optical fibers. In this manner,the hybrid integration of a plurality of high performance opticaltransceivers is enabled in CMOS processes.

In another exemplary scenario, the silicon photonic interposer 203 mayprovide optical routing between electronics die. For example, theelectronics die 205 may comprise a plurality of processors and memorydie. Electrical signals from the electronics die 205 may be communicatedto modulators on the silicon photonic interposer 203 via copper pillars,for example, and converted to optical signals for routing to anotherelectronics die via optical waveguides before being converted back toelectronic signals utilizing photodetectors. In this manner, veryhigh-speed coupling is enabled for a plurality of electronics die,reducing the memory requirements on processor chips, for example.

The utilization of optical signals for interconnecting electronics dieenables very dense and low power interconnects, since no controlledimpedance lines are necessary. Furthermore, costs may be reduced withintegration on a photonics-only die since there is thus no powerdissipation die in the interposer, and the electronics die may be heatsinked with conventional methods.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a photonic interposer with two coupledelectronics die, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 2C, there is shown the PCB/substrate 201, the siliconphotonic interposer 203, electronics die 205, the optical sourceassembly 209, the optical I/O 211, wire bonds 213, and optical fibers217.

The electronics die 205 are shown bonded to the surface of the siliconphotonic interposer 203 via Cu pillars. While two electronics die 205are shown in FIG. 2C, it should again be noted that the invention is notnecessarily so limited. Accordingly, any number of electronics die maybe coupled to the silicon photonic interposer 203 depending on number oftransceivers, the particular CMOS node utilized, thermal conductance,and space limitations, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment, electronic functions may be integrated intothe electronics die 205 and photonics circuitry may be integrated intothe silicon photonic interposer 203 utilizing independent CMOSprocesses. The electronics die 205 may comprise electronic devicesassociated with photonic devices in the silicon photonic interposer 203,thereby minimizing electrical path lengths while still allowingindependent performance optimization of electronic and photonic devices.Different technologies may be incorporated in the different die. Forexample, SiGe CMOS processes may be used for photonic devices in thesilicon photonic interposer 203, such as photodetectors and modulators,and 32 nm CMOS processes may be used for electronic devices on theelectronics die 205.

In another exemplary scenario, one of the electronics die 205 maycomprise a conventional application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)and a second electronics die 205 may comprise a driver die withcircuitry for driving the photonics devices in the silicon photonicinterposer 203. Accordingly, the driver die may receive electronicsignals from the ASIC via the silicon photonic interposer 203 and usethe received signals to subsequently drive photonic devices in thesilicon photonic interposer 203. In this manner, the second die providesthe driver circuitry as opposed to integrating driver circuitry in theASIC. This may allow existing ASIC designs to be integrated with thesilicon photonic interposer 203 without any modification to the ASIC I/Ocircuitry. These exemplary embodiments are illustrated further withrespect to FIGS. 5B and 5C.

The silicon photonic interposer 203 may comprise photonic circuits,whereby optical signals may be received, processed, and transmitted outof the silicon photonic interposer 203. The optical source assembly 209may provide a CW optical signal to the silicon photonic interposer 203and biased by voltages coupled to the optical source assembly 209 viawire bonds 213. Photonics circuitry in the silicon photonic interposer203 may then process the CW signal. For example, the CW signal may becoupled into the silicon photonic interposer 203 via grating couplers,communicated to various locations on the die via optical waveguides,modulated by MZI modulators, and communicated out of the siliconphotonic interposer 203 into the optical fibers 217 via the optical I/O211.

Heat may be conducted away from the die via the PCB/substrate 201. Inthis manner, the silicon photonic interposer and electronics die 205 mayenable a plurality of high performance optical transceivers usingseparately optimized CMOS processes. Similarly, the silicon photonicinterposer 203 may enable high-speed interconnects between electroniccircuits in the electronics die 205, such as between processor cores andmemory, for example.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating the hybrid integration of anelectronics die to a photonics interposer, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown theelectronics die 205, copper pillars 207, and the silicon photonicinterposer 203. The silicon photonic interposer 203 may comprise gratingcouplers 301, a polarization splitting grating coupler 303, aphotodetector 305, an optical modulator 307, TSVs 309, and opticalwaveguides 311.

The Cu pillars 207 provide both electrical and mechanical couplingbetween the electronics die 205 and the silicon photonic interposer 203.The grating couplers 301 provide for the coupling of light into and/orout of the photonics die/interposer 300. Similarly, thepolarization-splitting grating coupler 303 may enable the coupling oftwo polarizations of light into and/or out of the photonicsdie/interposer 203.

The modulator 307 may comprise a MZI modulator, for example, and may beoperable to modulate an optical signal based on electrical signalsreceived from the electronics die 205 via the Cu pillars 207. In anexemplary scenario, a CW optical signal may be received from an opticalsource via one of the grating couplers 301, communicated via the opticalwaveguides 311, modulated by the optical modulator 307, communicatedback by the optical waveguides 311, and out of the silicon photonicinterposer 203 via the other grating coupler 301.

The photodetector 305 may comprise a semiconductor photodiode, forexample, and may be operable to convert a received optical signal to anelectrical signal. In an exemplary scenario, optical signals withperpendicular polarizations may be received by thepolarization-splitting grating coupler 303, communicated via thewaveguides 311, converted to an electrical signal by the photodetector305, with the resulting electrical signals communicated to theelectronics die 205 via the Cu pillars 207. The electrical signals maybe further processed by electronics in the electronics die 205 and/orcommunicated to other circuitry via wire bonds or the Cu pillars 207 andthe TSVs 309.

The silicon photonic interposer 203 comprises a CMOS photonics die thatmay provide photonic circuits for a plurality of electronics die,thereby reducing or eliminating electrical interconnects betweenhigh-speed electronics. This may be utilized for high-speed memoryaccess, high-speed processor interconnects, and coupling a plurality ofhigh-speed electronics chips, for example.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating a cross-section of exemplary metalpillar-coupled electrical and optoelectronic devices, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown ahybrid integrated semiconductor structure 400 comprising a CMOSphotonics substrate/chip/die 450, a CMOS electronics substrate/chip/die460, and a metal layer 427 for substrate/chip physical and electricalcoupling. The CMOS photonics substrate/chip/die 450 comprises opticaldevices 420 and associated layers, and the CMOS electronicssubstrate/chip/die 460 comprises transistors 410A and 410B andassociated layers. The layers of the die are utilized to fabricate thetransistors 410A and 410B and the optical devices 420, to isolate, andto provide electrical connection to the devices, for example.

The CMOS photonics substrate/chip/die 450 comprises a substrate 401A, aburied oxide 403, a Si-layer 405, a contact layer 415A, a metal 1 layer417A, and through-silicon vias (TSVs) 443A and 443B. The optical devices420 comprise doped and/or undoped regions of the Si-layer 405, asalicide block 413, doped contact regions 435 and 437, etched region439, and the Ge-layer 445. The salicide block 413 comprises a layer ofmaterial to prevent the silicon of the optical devices 420 and otheroptical devices from being salicided during the standard CMOS process.If silicon in the optical devices was salicided, large optical losseswould result. Additionally, the salicide block 413 blocks unwantedimplants into the waveguides and other optical devices, which would alsocause unwanted loss. The salicide block 413 may be etched to theSi-layer 405 so that the Ge-layer 445 may be deposited. The Ge-layer 445may be utilized in a photodetector device, for example. In addition,etched regions 439 in the Si-layer 405 may be utilized for opticalconfinement. The etch regions 439 may be refilled with a low-kdielectric, for example, or may comprise an air gap with no refillmaterial. Fill material may comprise silicon oxide or oxynitridematerials, for example.

The CMOS electronics substrate/chip/die 460 comprises a siliconsubstrate 401B, a well 407, a contact layer 415B, a metal 1 layer 417B,a last metal layer 423, a passivation layer 425, and the metal layer427. The metal 1 layer 417B, the last metal layer 423, and the metallayer 427 provide electrical contact between layers and to electricaland optoelectronics devices, such as the transistors 410A and 410B andthe optical devices 420. The contact layer 415 also enables electricalcontact to the devices while providing electrical isolation betweendevices by incorporating insulating materials between conductive vias.

The transistors 410A and 410B comprise a bulk transistor with source anddrain regions formed in the well 407 or the substrate 401B,respectively, from dopant implant processes, for example, as well as agate 431, and a passivation layer 433. The gate 431 may comprise metalor polysilicon, for example, and may be isolated from the well 407 by athin oxide layer (not shown).

In an embodiment of the invention, separate CMOS processes may beutilized to fabricate the CMOS photonics substrate/chip/die 450 and theCMOS electronics substrate/chip/die 460 so that the processes may beoptimized for each type of device. The CMOS photonics substrate/chip/die450 may comprise a photonic interposer, such as the silicon photonicinterposer 203, that is operable to couple to one or more electronicsdie for communicating high-speed signals between the electronics diewithout the need for impedance-controlled electrical paths. Theinterposer and the electronics die may be fabricated in different CMOSprocesses. In this manner, layer thicknesses and doping levels may beconfigured for the best electronic and photonic performance in therespective structure without the tradeoffs in performance associatedwith fabricating electronic and photonic structures concurrently.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer withmultiple switch cores, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 5A, there is shown a multi-core photonicinterposer switch 500 comprising the PCB/substrate 201, the siliconphotonic interposer 203, electronics die 205, the optical I/O 211, theoptical fibers 217, TSVs 309, and the optical source 507.

The optical source 507 comprises a fiber and optical I/O that receive anoptical signal from a source, such as a laser, thereby eliminating theneed for an optical source assembly to be coupled directly to thesilicon photonic interposer 203 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The fiber inthe optical source 507 may comprise a single-mode fiber for coupling asingle mode into the silicon photonic interposer 203. In an exemplaryembodiment, the optical source 507 provides a CW optical signal to thesilicon photonic interposer 203.

In another exemplary scenario, the four electronics die 205 may compriserouters, switches, and/or processor cores for processing electricalsignals. The electronics die 205 may be heatsinked through the backsideof the chips, where the backside is the upward facing side of theelectronics die 205 in FIG. 5A, opposite to the side coupled to thesilicon photonic interposer 203. The multi-core photonic interposerswitch 500 may comprise a 1.2 Terabit switch, with 300 Gb/s interconnectspeed between each core via the silicon photonic interposer 203, and 1.2Tb/s communication into and out of the multi-core photonic interposerswitch 500 via the optical fibers 217.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating exemplary photonic and electronicinterposers with a switch core and optoelectronic die, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 5B, there isshown a switch core assembly 520 comprising the PCB/substrate 201, thesilicon photonic interposer 203, electronics die 205, the optical I/O211, the optical fibers 217, and the optical source fibers 507. Thereare also shown solder bumps 521, optoelectronic driver die 523, and anelectronic interposer 525.

The electronic interposer 523 may comprise an interposer forelectrically coupling a standard ASIC chip to photonic circuitry in thephotonic interposer 203 and the optoelectronic driver die 523. This mayallow a standard chip to be integrated with a photonic assembly withoutrequiring any I/O modifications in the electronics die 205. Accordingly,it is not necessary that the electronics die 205 drive or receivesignals from optoelectronic devices such as modulators or photodiodes inthe photonic interposer 203. These functions may be integrated in theoptoelectronic driver die 523, allowing for complete flexibility inutilizing a standard electrical interface in the electronics die 205.

The solder bumps 521 may comprise spherical metal contacts forelectrically and physically coupling the electronic interposer 525 tothe PCB/substrate 201.

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer witha switch core and optoelectronic die, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. Referring to FIG. 5C, there is shown a switch coreassembly 540 comprising the PCB/substrate 201, the silicon photonicinterposer 203, electronics die 205, the optical I/O 211, the opticalfibers 217, the optical source fibers 507, the solder bumps 521, and theoptoelectronic driver die 523.

In an exemplary scenario, the silicon photonic interposer 203 mayelectrically couple a standard ASIC chip to photonic circuitry in thephotonic optoelectronic driver die 523, essentially combining thefunctions of the electronics interposer 525 of FIG. 5B into the siliconphotonic interposer 203 of FIG. 5C. This may allow a standard chip to beintegrated with a photonic assembly without requiring any I/Omodifications in the electronics die 205. Accordingly, it is notnecessary that the electronics die 205 directly drive or receive signalsfrom optoelectronic devices such as modulators or photodiodes in thephotonic interposer 203. These functions may be integrated in theoptoelectronic driver die 523, allowing for complete flexibility inutilizing a standard electrical interface in the electronics die 205.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary photonic interposer with asingle switch core, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a single-core photonic interposerswitch 600 comprising the PCB/substrate 201, the silicon photonicinterposer 203, electronics die 205, the optical I/O 211, the opticalfibers 217, TSVs 309, and the optical source 507.

In an exemplary scenario, the single electronics die 205 may comprise arouter, switch, and/or processor core for processing electrical signals,and may be heatsinked through the backside of the chip. The single-corephotonic interposer switch 600 may receive a CW optical signal from theoptical source fibers 507. Electrical signals generated in theelectronics die 205 may be utilized to drive one or more modulators inthe silicon photonic interposer 203. The one or more modulators maygenerate a digital optical signal for communicating data throughout thesilicon photonic interposer 203, with the signals either beingcommunicated out of the single-core photonic interposer switch 600 viathe optical fibers 217 or to other parts of the electronics die 205.

By integrating all photonic devices in the silicon photonic interposer203 and all electronic devices in the electronics die 205, the devicesmay be independently optimized in dedicated CMOS processes. In thismanner, the CMOS interposer 203 may be configured for optimum photonicperformance independent of the electronics die technology node.Similarly, by communicating signals optically via the silicon photonicinterposer 203, there is no need for controlled impedance lines forcommunicating electronic signals. In addition, by configuring drivercircuits directly above the associated photonic devices when hybridized,speed performance and power efficiency may be greatly increased.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a photonic interposer with multi-coreinterconnects and waveguides, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a multi-core interposer700 comprising the PCB/substrate 201, the CMOS photonics interposer 203,the electronics die 205, copper pillars 207, optical I/Os 211, opticalfibers 217, optical waveguides 311, and the optical source 507.

FIG. 7 shows a transparent view of the silicon photonic interposer 203and the electronics die 205 to illustrate the waveguides 311 and thecopper pillars 207. For example, sets of optical waveguides 311 areshown coupling the optical I/Os 211 to specific regions of the siliconphotonic interposer 203, such that electrical signals may then becommunicated to/from the electronics die 205 in those regions.Similarly, the optical waveguides 311 couple the optical source 507 toregions of the silicon photonic interposer 203 for subsequent modulationby modulators located under associated circuitry in the electronics die205, thereby distributing the optical source signal throughout the CMOSoptical interposer 203 for use by each of the electronics die 205 whenconverted to electrical signals, such as by photodiodes, for example.

The copper pillars 207 may be arranged around the perimeter of theelectronics die 205 and/or centered on the die, as shown in FIG. 7.Similarly, TSVs may be placed throughout the silicon photonic interposerfor providing electrical contact between devices in the electronics die205 and the PCB/substrate 201. Accordingly, TSVs are integrated belowsome of the copper pillars 207.

Due to the very high bandwidth capability of single-mode opticalcommunication, the multi-core interposer 700 may be capable ofcommunicating at over 1 terabit per second. For example, utilizing ˜20micron Cu pillars with <20 fF capacitance, speeds of 50 GHz and highercan be achieved. Thus, by integrating a plurality of signals in thewaveguides 311 and subsequently the optical fibers 217, terabits speedsare enabled.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a photonic interposer with multi-coreinterconnects and waveguides, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown the PCB/substrate 201,the silicon photonic interposer 203, electronics die 205, optical I/O211, optical fibers 217, photodetectors 305, modulators 307, and anoptical source 507.

The photodetectors 305 and the modulators 307 may be organized in pairsin the silicon photonic interposer 203 to provide a two-waycommunication at the optical I/O 211, such that incoming optical signalsfrom the optical fibers 217 may be converted to electrical signals byone or more of the photodetectors 305 for communication via a copperpillar to the electronics die 205. Similarly, electrical signals may becommunicated from the electronics die 205 to one or more modulators 307in the silicon photonic interposer 203 for conversion to an opticalsignal, which may be communicated via optical waveguides to the opticalI/O 211 and subsequently out one or more of the optical fibers 217.

In addition, a CW optical signal from the optical source 507 may becommunicated into the silicon photonic interposer 203 via one or moregrating couplers and distributed throughout the interposer forsubsequent processing by the modulators 307 that are driven byelectronic circuits in the electronics die 205.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method and system are disclosed fora photonic interposer. In this regard, aspects of the invention maycomprise receiving one or more continuous wave (CW) optical signals 101in a silicon photonic interposer 203 from an optical source 209, 507external to the silicon photonic interposer 203. The received CW opticalsignals 101 may be processed based on electrical signals received fromthe one or more CMOS electronics die 205. The modulated optical signals,Optical Signals In, may be received in the silicon photonic interposer203 from one or more optical fibers 217 coupled to the silicon photonicinterposer 203.

Electrical signals may be generated in the silicon photonic interposer203 based on the received modulated optical signals, Optical Signals In.The generated electrical signals may be communicated to the one or moreCMOS electronics die 205. The generated electrical signals may becommunicated to the one or more CMOS electronics die 205 via copperpillars 207. The one or more CW optical signals may be received in thesilicon photonic interposer from an optical source assembly coupled tothe silicon photonic interposer. The one or more CW optical signals 101may be received from one or more optical fibers 217 coupled to thesilicon photonic interposer 203.

The one or more received CW optical signals 101 may be processedutilizing one or more optical modulators 105A-105D, 307 in the siliconphotonic interposer. The one or more optical modulators 105A-105D, 307may comprise Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulators, for example. Theelectrical signals may be generated in the silicon photonic interposer203 utilizing one or more photodetectors 111A-111D, 305 integrated inthe silicon photonic interposer 203. Optical signals may be communicatedinto, Optical Signals In, and/or out, Optical Signals Out, of thesilicon photonic interposer 203 utilizing grating couplers 117A-117H,301, 303. The one or more electronics die 205 may comprise one or moreof: a processor core, a switch core, or router. The integrated opticalcommunication system 100 comprises a plurality of transceivers105/112/117/107/111 (A-F).

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for communication, the methodcomprising: in an integrated optical communication system comprising oneor more complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics diecoupled to a silicon photonic interposer: receiving one or morecontinuous wave (CW) optical signals in said silicon photonic interposerfrom an optical source external to said silicon photonic interposer;processing said one or more received CW optical signals based onelectrical signals received from said one or more CMOS electronics die;receiving modulated optical signals in said silicon photonic interposervia one or more optical couplers on said silicon photonic interposer;generating electrical signals in said silicon photonic interposer basedon said received modulated optical signals; and communicating saidgenerated electrical signals to said one or more CMOS electronics die.2. The method according to claim 1, comprising communicating saidgenerated electrical signals to said one or more CMOS electronics dievia copper pillars.
 3. The method according to claim 1, comprisingreceiving said one or more CW optical signals in said silicon photonicinterposer from an optical source assembly coupled to said siliconphotonic interposer.
 4. The method according to claim 1, comprisingreceiving said one or more CW optical signals from one or more opticalfibers coupled to said silicon photonic interposer.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising processing said one or more received CWoptical signals utilizing one or more optical modulators in said siliconphotonic interposer.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein saidone or more optical modulators comprise Mach-Zehnder interferometermodulators.
 7. The method according to claim 1, comprising generatingsaid electrical signals in said silicon photonic interposer utilizingone or more photodetectors integrated in said silicon photonicinterposer.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said one or moreoptical couplers on said silicon photonic interposer comprise gratingcouplers.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said one or moreelectronics die comprise one or more of: a processor core, a switchcore, or router.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidintegrated optical communication system comprises a plurality oftransceivers.
 11. A system for communication, the system comprising: anintegrated optical communication system comprising one or morecomplementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics die coupledto a silicon photonic interposer, said integrated optical communicationsystem being operable to: receive one or more continuous wave (CW)optical signals in said silicon photonic interposer from an opticalsource external to said silicon photonic interposer; process said one ormore received CW optical signals based on electrical signals receivedfrom said one or more CMOS electronics die; receive modulated opticalsignals in said silicon photonic interposer via optical couplers on saidsilicon photonic interposer; generate electrical signals in said siliconphotonic interposer based on said received modulated optical signals;and communicate said generated electrical signals to said one or moreCMOS electronics die.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein saidintegrated optical communication system is operable to communicate saidgenerated electrical signals to said one or more CMOS electronics dievia copper pillars.
 13. The system according to claim 11, wherein saidhybrid integration optical communication system is operable to receivesaid one or more CW optical signals in said silicon photonic interposerfrom an optical source assembly coupled to said silicon photonicinterposer.
 14. The system according to claim 11, wherein said hybridintegration optical communication system is operable to receive said oneor more CW optical signals from one or more optical fibers coupled tosaid silicon photonic interposer.
 15. The system according to claim 11,wherein said hybrid integration optical communication system is operableto process said one or more received CW optical signals utilizing one ormore optical modulators in said silicon photonic interposer.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 15, wherein said one or more opticalmodulators comprise Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulators.
 17. Thesystem according to claim 11, wherein said hybrid integration opticalcommunication system is operable to generate said electrical signals insaid silicon photonic interposer utilizing one or more photodetectorsintegrated in said silicon photonic interposer.
 18. The system accordingto claim 11, wherein said one or more optical couplers on said siliconphotonic interposer comprise grating couplers.
 19. The system accordingto claim 11, wherein said one or more electronics die comprise one ormore of: a processor core, a switch core, or router.
 20. A system forcommunication, the system comprising: an integrated opticalcommunication system comprising one or more complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) electronics die coupled to a silicon photonicinterposer, said integrated optical communication system being operableto: receive one or more continuous wave (CW) optical signals in saidphotonics die from an optical source coupled to said silicon photonicinterposer via one or more optical fibers; process said one or morereceived CW optical signals based on electrical signals received fromsaid one or more CMOS electronics die; receive modulated optical signalsin said silicon photonic interposer via optical couplers on said siliconphotonic interposer; generate electrical signals in said siliconphotonic interposer based on said received modulated optical signals;and communicate said generated electrical signals to said one or moreCMOS electronics die.